Unsolved: The Axeman of New Orleans

TERROR IN THE BIG EASY

In 1918, a series of violent murders and attacks swept the southern city of New Orleans, Louisiana. Under cover of night, an unknown assailant murdered six people and injured six more as they slept soundly in their beds. The Axeman’s weapon of choice was almost always the victim’s ax, which he boastfully left on the scene. The attacker was dubbed The Axeman of New Orleans.

THE CANONICAL TWELVE

Six died, Six Survived

The Maggia Murders

On May 25, 1918, Joseph Maggia and his wife Catherine became the first victims of The Axeman of New Orleans. The unknown assailant slashed their necks with a razor, before bashing them about the head with their own ax. Catherine nearly decapitated died immediately. Joseph lingered three days after his brothers heard Joseph’s loud moaning coming from the home.

Louis Besumer and Harriet Lowe

June 27, 1918, Louis Besumer and his mistress Harriet “Annie” Lowe were beaten nearly to death. A man delivering bread for Louis’ grocery store discovered the crime after Louis failed to meet him outside for the scheduled delivery. Louis was injured, but lucid. Annie was knocked unconscious. Louis claimed that a stranger came broke into the home, and knocked beat him and Annie with a hatchet. Police found the hatchet in the bathtub. Louis recovered. Annie died from her injuries on May 1, 1919.